big problem 454 xl

[RobGunn]

Also, I have heard that there are treatments that can be done to "Seal" a block. Im not familiar with that option but I have heard that it can be done. Maybe a few internet searches and you could find something?

[RobGunn]

Also, I have heard that there are options to "Seal" a block. I am not familiar with this option but I have heard of it. Maybe a few internet searches could lead to something?

[RobGunn]

Also, I have heard that there are options available to "Seal" a block. Im not familiar with this option but I have heard that it is doable. Maybe a few internet searches could give you some info? Keep in mind that the cooling of a marine engine is normally not under pressure like a Automotive engine is. Basically a marine engine is just circulating raw water to cool it.

[bud37]

There are different cooling systems for marine engines.......one uses anti freeze and a heat exchanger , that one has over approx. 11psi in the cooling system much like your vehicle. The other uses raw water to run thru the engine but there is still pressure as there is a thermostat to control engine temp.....all depends on which one you have.

[km1125]

Source of the post Also, I have heard that there are options available to "Seal" a block. Im not familiar with this option but I have heard that it is doable. Maybe a few internet searches could give you some info? Keep in mind that the cooling of a marine engine is normally not under pressure like a Automotive engine is. Basically a marine engine is just circulating raw water to cool it.

That would only apply to raw-water cooled engines, but that does appear to be what the OP is dealing with.

You also have to figure that a marine engine block is under a WHOLE LOT more stress than an auto or truck engine. That marine block is flexing (or trying to) much more than an auto or truck because they are working much harder for a much larger percentage of their life. A solution that might work on the auto or truck engine for a long time might not last in a marine application.

[plittle2005]

"You are assuming the engines are original. Just maybe they aren’t. I have a 2001, 356, that does not have original engines"

Buster, could you post your engine info? The OP's may both be toast (hope not!) and I may have to replace my originals in the future and am searching for successful prospects. Thanks.

Phil Little

[MyPleasure]

Hi fellas, personally I would never consider welding a cast iron block for any application. I worked in the shipyard industry for over 40 years as a steel fabricator and worked with hundreds of welders and many different types of metals. An engine block is cast iron, which is very hard to weld in the first place. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t want to put my family and friends safety in jeopardy buy using a welded block. You can find a good used engine to rebuild that I would trust more than a welded block, and for a relatively cheap cost. There are thousands of used van or truck engines out there.
Our boat that we just purchased, had both Volvo 7.4 gas engines rebuilt at a cost of $26,000, and the owner opted for Volvo long blocks, which means that it was probably an insurance job. If it was not an insurance claim, then I would find a couple of good used 454 blocks and used proper marine components to rebuild them both for probably quite a bit cheaper than the Volvo long blocks.
If it was me, I would go for a new block rather than try welding a block.
Just my own opinion of course!
Love this Carver forum!